Skin tanning and light therapy incorporating light emitting diodes

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvement comprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, such as a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multiple LEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths are controlled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in an arbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. It can be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as a garment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises at least one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes the chamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is under independent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/714,824, filed Nov. 17, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/473,237, filed on May 24, 2003, which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common method of skin tanning involves the process of exposingskin to ultra-violet light. Health research has shown that both thecondition of under-exposure to ultra-violet light and the condition ofover-exposure to ultra-violet light causes a variety of health problems.Health research has also shown that specific ranges of wavelengths ofultra-violet light are responsible for producing health benefits.Moderate exposure to specific wavelengths of ultra-violet light producesthe greatest benefits with the least amount of health risk. Certainmethods and devices are useful at controlling the quantity and qualityof ultra-violet light exposure in the effort to produce the greatesthealth benefits with the least amount of health risks. Ultra-violetlight quality depends primarily on the ranges of wavelength ofultra-violet light; where the highest ultra-violet light quality is theultra-violet light that produces the greatest net health benefits.

The sun is a primary source of ultra-violet light for tanning. Thequantity of light exposure to the sun is simple to control. The qualityof ultra-violet light exposure by the sun is not simple to control.Lamps that provide alternative sources of ultra-violet light allow fortanning services that do not rely on the sun. These tanning services areavailable and are administered in a controlled environment such as inpersonal care service salons. The industry providing controlled exposureto artificial ultra-violet light is generally referred to as the“indoor-tanning” industry. Indoor-tanning does not implement systemsthat are directly dependent on the sun as the source of ultra-violetradiation. The quality of the indoor-tanning ultra-violet light hasbecome important in differentiating services available within the sameindoor-tanning salon and between competing tanning salons.

Light with wavelengths in the ultra-violet range is often referred to asUV light or UV. UVA, UVB and UVC describe three separate non-overlappingbut adjacent ranges of light fully encompassing the UV light range. Therange of light referred to as UVA generally has the longest set ofwavelengths within the UV range and includes wavelengths between 290 and400. UVA-1, as that termed is used herein, is between 340 and 400; UVA-2is between 315 and 340; and UVA-3 is between 290 and 315. The range oflight referred to as UVC generally has the shortest set of wavelengthswithin the UV range and includes wavelengths between 160 and 260. Therange of light referred to as UVB includes wavelengths between 260 and290.

The use of the terms UVA, UVB and UVC allow the various properties of UVlight to be categorized in general ways. UVA has the best capability oftanning skin. UVB does not produce a tan in the third layer of skin. UVClight does not produce a tan but can sterilize some biological agentssuch as certain bacteria. Under certain conditions UVB will tan thesecond layer of skin. The second layer of skin when tanned with UVB hasa shedding period of 5 to 8 days. Skin tanned with UVA only has thethird layer of skin tanned which results in a normal shedding cycle of28 days.

A light therapy is a method of applying a specific set of wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation in specific states and under specificconditions to produce a change in a bodily function. Tanning is a lighttherapy whereby the biological change is the production of melaninwithin the cells of the skin. Indoor-tanning is a light therapyutilizing the exposure of moderate amounts of UV over a reasonableamount of time to skin from UV sources other than the sun.

Under normal conditions the outer layer of skin, also known as the firstlayer, is composed of dead cells. Normally, dead cells will not producemelanin upon exposure to moderate amounts of UV. The layer under thefirst layer of skin is referred to as the second layer of skin, and iscomposed of active cells that may be functioning in some biologicalmanner and will produce melanin upon exposure to UVB light. UVB skintanning has, what some tanners consider, an additional negative effect,UVB tanning will thicken the second layer of skin and as a resultincreases the visibility of skin lines and wrinkles. UVB tanning createsa shedding cycle of 5 to 7 days which is undesirable when a UVA tan hasa shedding cycle of 28 days. When UVB is combined with UVA the sheddingcycle of the UVA tanned layer is accelerated since the second layer isshed more quickly and the third layer becomes the second layer as aresult and is shed within another 5 to 7 days.

Under normal conditions the layer of skin that will produce melanin(melanogenesis) when exposed to UVA-3 or UVB light is referred to as thethird layer of skin and more specifically the melanocytes within theskin. The Vitamin-D production is believed to be caused by exposure toUVA-3 or UVB light. However, UVB light can also degrade Vitamin-D. SinceUVA-3 does not degrade Vitamin-D, UVA-3 is preferred over UVB forVitamin-D production and melanogenesis. The selective elimination of UVBand selective production of UVA-1, UVA-2 and UVA-3 can be a benefit ofthe present invention. Melanogenesis is important for tanners who desirea darker tan than that which is obtained from UVA-1 or UVA-2 exposurealone. UVA-1 and UVA-2 converts melanin into the dark pigment melatonin.The Tanning Industry Association promotes a skin-type classificationbased on the amount of melanin present in the skin before additionalmelanin has been created by melanogenesis. These types include type I(little), II (low), III (moderate), IV (high) and V (black). Inexceptional conditions such as albinism, the third layer of skin is notcapable of producing melanin. For the purposes of this application,albino skin is considered an exception to the norm and will not bereferred to as a third layer of skin but as an albino third layer ofskin.

It is common knowledge that all wavelengths of UV over long exposureperiods damage the skin in various ways. Therefore, it is desirable tolimit the exposure of UV radiation to skin. Alternatively, some UVexposure is generally considered necessary in order to maintain goodhealth in other bodily functions, such as the generation of vitamin-D.Vitamin-D is useful in the absorption of calcium in the body. Therefore,it has been recommended by various health organizations studying thephenomena that moderate exposure to UV light has a net health benefit,whereas over-exposure or under-exposure of UV results in a net healthdeficit. The art of indoor-tanning to remain useful should provide forever increasing controllability of the application of the light therapy.As a light therapy tanning should be applied with specific goals andprocedures to maximize the benefits of the therapy.

For people desiring a tan, the main benefits of UV exposure is theproduction of tanned skin. Tanners enjoy positive psychological andperceived positive social benefits resulting from having tanned skin. Inorder to limit the total amount of UV radiation tanners are exposed towhile maintaining a tan, it is desirable to reduce as much as possiblethe exposure to UV light outside the UVA wavelength range. UVB and UVCwavelength ranges of radiation are by definition not capable of tanningskin with a 28 day shedding cycle and therefore reasonable effortsshould be made to eliminate UVB and UVC from the source of light tannersare exposed to.

Indoor-tanning methods generate UV light from converting electricalenergy to light within devices such as UV fluorescent bulbs and highpressure quartz metal-halide bulbs, which are two specific types oflight bulb technologies. UV light bulbs currently in use have propertiesof high voltage, high temperature, and low electrical energy to UVconversion efficiencies of approximately seventeen percent.

Within the fluorescent light bulb category there are a variety of typesthat differ mainly in the percentage of UV light produced in the UVA,UVB and UVC wavelength ranges. For tanners concerned with overexposureto UV light the more desirable fluorescent bulbs have a higherpercentage of light in the UVA wavelength range. Tanners concerned withoverexposure prefer and tend to pay a premium for tanning services thathave the least amount of UVB and UVC.

Depending on weather conditions, typically 88% of the UV radiation fromthe sun is UVA, in this case an artificial source with more than 88% ofthe UV radiation is UVA is considered a less harmful tanning method thansun-tanning. Common fluorescent tanning bulbs and associated serviceshave UV composed between 92.0% UVA to 97.5% UVA. Currently, highpressure quartz metal-halide bulbs have in general 98.5% UVA and areconsidered to be the least harmful artificial tanning bulbs currentlyused in indoor-tanning salons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvementcomprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, suchas a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multipleLEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths arecontrolled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in anarbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. Itcan be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as agarment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises atleast one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes thechamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is underindependent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

The skin tanning chamber preferably comprises a plurality of LEDsemitting UVA light, optionally, further comprising a means forcontrolling the electric current to each LED to maintain a calibrationfor a consistent radiant flux over the life time of each LED; a meansfor controlling the LEDs to allow radiation to selected portions of theskin; a means for controlling the period of exposure; a means forselecting and controlling wavelengths emitted, a means to vary radiantflux and wavelengths according to a program responsive to combinationsof feedforward and feedback sensors, and a means for storing records ofuse.

In another embodiment, the LED is incorporated into a form which isadapted to fit into a standard fluorescent bulb fixture and can have aninternal or an external power converter to permit the use of a UVA LEDin a conventional fluorescent tube-based device with cooling means, airflow means and temperature control means.

The skin tanning chamber preferably is configured to permit ventilationof the LEDs, such as by a fan which blows a gas, such as air,longitudinally or laterally across the LEDs. In one embodiment, the LEDsare disposed within a transparent or translucent, preferably acrylic,tube characterized by one or more perforations which provide for airflow out of the tube. The tube can be characterized by a closed end andan open end, wherein the air is directed through the open end and outthe perforations. The density of perforations on the distal end of thetube, with respect to the open end, can be greater than the density ofperforations on the proximal end and/or they can be larger than theperforations on the proximal end. This results in improved performanceand longer life for the LEDs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an electrical schematic diagram for powering the LEDs inthe series connected LEDs (47) in the low voltage LED array (22) andmetallic pins (10, 12) and external LED compatible power supply (20)responding to control from optional external light output feedbacksensor (174) and house power connector (36). This embodiment utilizes aresistor (46) to limit the current to the series connected LEDs (47).The series connected LEDs (47) have multiple LEDs or a single LEDdepending on the voltage supplied and number LEDs per controlled powerlines (49). If the design goals of further embodiments of the presentinvention requires a controllable power line for each LED then a singleLED in the series connected LEDs (47) and LED (5) are identical. Thereis a tradeoff between providing control to each LED and the costassociated with the control circuits. Additionally, there is a tradeoffbetween cost of power supply and the failure of a single LED in an openfailure mode to block the delivery of current to multiple LEDs in theseries connected LEDs (47). LED compatible power supplies (20) designedfor supplying current to individual LEDs is more expensive because thevoltage conversion is wider and the current output is higher. The totalcurrent output from LED compatible power supply (20) is reduced by afactor calculated as the number of power lines (49) divided by the totalnumber of LEDs in the further embodiment of invention (22). Therefore,depending upon the application and allowable failure modes, LEDs mayhave an arbitrary number of LEDs in series depending on the trade-offand application requirements. Also shown is a variable power supplywhich charges capacitors (45) in a selective manner.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes a current control (48), and an optional capacitor(45). Current control (48) supplies current series connected LEDs (47)via controlled power line (49) power control line (50). Current control(48) may optionally vary the current delivered to series connected LEDs(47) over time as the encapsulation UV transmittance varies in order tocalibrate the LEDs for a given usage history.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes a current control (48), and a capacitor (45),where current control (48) is attached to a single LED (5) connected tocontrolled power line (49) power control line (50).

FIG. 4 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes said current controls (48), and an optional saidcapacitors (45). Said current controls (48) supplies current to saidseries connected LEDs (47) via said controlled power lines (49)responsive to said power control lines (50) and said external lightoutput feedback sensor (174). The method of calibrating each separatesaid current controls by selectively turning on one said current controlat a given time in order to measure the light output from the saidseries connected LEDs and calibrate each set of said series connectedLEDs (47) separately. Current control (48) may optionally vary thecurrent delivered to series connected LEDs (47) over time as theencapsulation UV transmittance varies. Also shown are permanentlymounted connector (184) and portable connector (185) which allows saidexternal light output feedback sensor (174) to be moved around withinthe tanning chamber and removed from the tanning chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention incorporates the use of light emitting diodes,commonly referred to as LEDs, into an indoor-tanning device thatoptionally includes other sources of therapeutic electromagneticradiation. UVA LEDs are preferred. Particularly preferred UVA LEDsinclude those that emit at least about 90% UVA wavelengths, preferablyat least about 95% or more UVA wavelengths. In one embodiment, the LEDemits essentially only (e.g., at least about 99.99%) UVA. This highpercentage of UVA light output is an improvement over previous lamptechnologies previously available in indoor-tanning salons. The variousLED manufacturers of the preferred LEDs are Cree Inc. (USA), Nichia(Japan), Toyoda Gosei (Japan), Crystal IS (USA—Aluminum Nitride AlNsubstrate) with Palo Alto Research Center (USA).

For providing general purpose light therapy it is desirable to includeLEDs that have wavelengths in addition to UVA to provide for servicesother than or in addition to tanning. Therefore in light therapy otherthan tanning a mix of various wavelength LEDs may be incorporated incombinations that suit a particular therapy requirement. A light therapydevice composed of UVA LEDs and other LEDs and other types of lightbulbs is desirable to provide a variety of desired therapeutic effects.When the desired effect is tanning skin then a portion of the LEDs areof the UVA LED variety. In general, UVA LEDs are used in combinationwith other light sources to produce a combination light therapy in aselectable and controllable manner. Light therapy devices with multipleand varied types of lamps include selectable power supplies that controlhow and when the various lamps are powered. Indoor-tanning devices withselectively controllable UVA LEDs have the advantage of providingselectable tanning areas and reduced power when tanning is not requiredat various points within the tanning chamber.

There are many advantages of LEDs over light bulbs. LEDs are moreefficient at converting electrical energy into directed light than manyother UV light bulb types. LEDs do not require surfaces operating athigh temperatures and can be safer. LEDs do not require high voltages orhigh currents to operate and, for this reason, LEDs are safer andrequire less structure to protect the people in proximity to the lightsource. Additionally, LEDs can be smaller than light bulbs. As discretecomponents LEDs may be fabricated as arrays in a wide variety of shapesand form factors, including a fluorescent bulb form factor, an industrystandard light bulb, or an industry standard spot light bulb.

In a fluorescent bulb form factor the UVA LED arrays can contain aninternal power conversion or external power conversion (or a combinationof internal and external power conversion) and directly replace a UVfluorescent bulb in currently installed tanning devices currently madefor indoor-tanning devices. Current indoor-tanning devices for the pronebody position are commonly referred to as tanning beds. Currentindoor-tanning devices for upright body positions are commonly referredto as tanning booths. Collectively, tanning booths and tanning beds arereferred to as tanning chambers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, UVA LEDs are incorporated intoarticles of clothing, and into cloth, and into flexible forms, and intorigid forms that allow for home tanning systems and for personal tanningsystems such as tanning jackets, tanning pants, tanning suits, tanningbags or sacs, tanning blankets and tanning rooms.

Personal tanning systems can be shared by different people at differenttimes. If a personal tanning system is shared, it is desirable to have aset of removable UVA-translucent garment or liner capable of beingwashed. A personal tanning system that is cleaned in an efficient mannerbetween uses is desirable. A personal tanning system with the ability tobe cleaned is desirable whether shared or un-shared.

UV light has surface sterilization effects and therefore a personaltanning system will to some degree be self-cleaning with regard tocertain undesirable bacteria such as mold and mildew. Additionally, UVBand UVC light sources may be incorporated into a personal tanning deviceto produce a higher degree of sterilization when operated in a specialcleaning mode without the presence of tanners.

In ideal conditions, UV LED semiconductor chips have a lifetime on theorder of 100,000 hours. Encapsulated LEDs have an epoxy or plasticencapsulation. The encapsulated UV LEDs have an effective lifetime of10,000 hours due to degradation of the encapsulation material from UVexposure. The chips within the encapsulation continue to operate pastthe 10,000 hours but the UV degraded encapsulation material does notallow as much UV light to escape. In order to maintain a calibratedconstant total radiant flux per tanning session over the life of theencapsulated UV LED based tanning device, then either, the correctiveaction of increasing the electric current supplied to the LEDs, or thecorrective action of increasing the total number of powered LEDs in thetanning device, or a combination of the corrective actions must be takenas the encapsulation material degrades. The wavelength of the UVA doesnot change significantly over the life of a UVA LED.

When used in 5 to 20 minute power cycles common in tanning chambers,fluorescent light bulbs begin to noticeably degrade within 100 hours ofuse and have a total lifetime on the order of 1000 hours or less, andare very often replaced after 400 total hours of operation creatingsignificant maintenance expenses. Therefore, there is a greatly reducedamount of maintenance required with the LED based tanning systems asopposed to fluorescent bulb tanning systems. The UVA LED has aconsistent wavelength over the life of the LED, whereas the wavelengthvaries for fluorescent bulbs over the life of the fluorescent bulb. Theaverage wavelength of the fluorescent bulb in the UVA range decreasesand drifts into the UVB range which is considered by some tanners as anegative effect over the life of the fluorescent bulb. Independent ofUVA LED mounting method, whether encapsulated in UV sensitive material(epoxy resin) or encapsulated in UV insensitive materials (metal orplastic housing with quartz lens), the UVA LEDs have a longer usefullife than fluorescent bulbs.

As previously stated, UVA LEDs may be used in combination with other UVproducing light sources. LEDs incorporated into light therapy devices,including tanning devices, are not limited to the UVA type only. Otherwavelengths LEDs are incorporated into the device in order to provideother types of light therapy. In addition to providing additional lighttherapy effects, other wavelength LEDs may provide visible light in anotherwise dark chamber.

In any UV light exposure application it is recommended for people beingexposed to use UV opaque protective eye-wear, and it is recommended forpeople being exposed to shut the eyelids as much as possible in order tominimize exposure of the retina to UV. It is important to maintainstrict observation of the requirement for UV opaque protective eye-wearduring operation of tanning equipment. Therefore, in one embodiment,special control circuits can be incorporated to prevent powering the UVlight sources when UV opaque UV opaque protective eye-wear in absent. Inaddition, training in use of tanning equipment is highly recommended.

This present invention is a reliable tanning device incorporatingcombinations of sensors and communication equipment into the tanningdevice to determine if the tanner has UV opaque protective eye-wearpresent and worn correctly before allowing the tanning system to startemitting UV radiation. This reliable personal tanning deviceincorporates special safety features that identify people and do notallow for over-exposure of any user to UV light over a given time frame.This reliable personal tanning device interfaces to a computer terminalwith associated software logic and with associated input and outputcontrol ports, to provide information such as length of tan for a eachunique user and to provide historical records of user specific tanningactivities and accounting details.

In one embodiment, the LED device is contained in a tube, such as anacrylic tube, in the form factor of an industry standard fluorescentbulb with an internal power converter, an optional internal coolingsystem, and an optional temperature sensor. In yet another embodiment,the form is equipped with an internal light output feedback sensor tocontrol the power to the cooling system or other fan. Alternatively, anexternal LED compatible power supply in the form factor for a highvoltage fluorescent bulb ballast power supply can be used with the LEDdevice in the fluorescent bulb form factor with house-power voltconnector. This form factor allows for direct replacement of industrystandard fluorescent power ballast when the industry standardfluorescent bulbs are replaced with LED fluorescent bulb form factorswhich do not contain internal power converters. The invention,manufactured in a standard fluorescent form factor, allows directreplacement with minimal modification to bulb fixtures already deployedin tanning chambers.

An external LED compatible power supply used with a low voltage LEDarray can be connected to a house-power connector. A low voltage LEDarray does not need an active internal high voltage power converter andthus has a lower cooling requirement but can still have an optional fanand optional temperature sensor and temperature controller.

In one embodiment, the device is equipped with optional adjustablerotating electrical connectors, friction plate, and fastener, allowingfor setting arbitrary direction of the LEDs and circuit board. Thedevice can also be equipped with a porous end-cap that allows forventilation, such as passive or active ventilation. The porous end cappermits air flow when used, for example, with a fan. The industrystandard electrical connection is composed of metallic pins andinsulators, commonly referred to as Bi-Pin, RD2 and lead wires.

Flexible electrical connectors are a preferred embodiment, employingcoiled wire but could also be composed of a track and slider connectorfor maintaining electrical connection while allowing for rotation of theend-cap with respect to the circuit board. The rotating componentsallows for adjustable directional alignment of light without having torotate the connector on the fixture. In this embodiment, the LED devicecan advantageously replace one or more fluorescent bulbs in a typicalfluorescent bulb based tanning chamber.

The UVA LED based florescent UV bulb replacement apparatus can come in anumber of embodiments. In one embodiment, it incorporates an externalheat sink for cooling of the components. The built-in power supplyconditions house-power or high voltage or high frequency power intopower suitable for driving LED circuits. A typical UVA LED fluorescentreplacement lamp is composed of thousands of UVA LEDs arrayed on asingle fluorescent form factor circuit board. Heat sinks can beintegrated into the UVA LED fluorescent replacement lamp. Combinationsof heat sinks and fans can be integrated into said present invention.The form factor of the UVA LED fluorescent replacement lamp is similarto that of the florescent bulbs they replace but are not necessarilyidentical. UVA LED replacement lamps in a fluorescent bulb form factormay replace multiple fluorescent bulbs with a single set of connectors.The UV LED replacement fluorescent bulb set apparatus with a single ormultiple sets of rotating electrical connectors can also be used.Optional modular components can create an arbitrary length offluorescent bulb replacement utilizing special sockets, linking them endto end. Provisions for two-way control signals to selectively controlindividual or sub-sets of LEDs within the LED array can be containedwithin the connectors. Alternatively, the power lines can be modulatedwith two way time or frequency multiplexed coded signals in such amanner as to provide signal information to and from an LED powercontroller in proximity to the LEDs for the purpose of selectivelycontrolling power to individuals or sub-sets of the LEDs.

The form can contain an array of a plurality of LEDs on a circuit board.The circuit board and LED array can be on one, two or more sides. Theboard can be flat, curved, angled (such as an obtuse or acute angle withone or two sides of the angle presented with an array). In yet anotherembodiment, the circuit board LED array is on one or more sides of amultiple angled circuit board, such as an open or closed angled circuitboard. Where the board is curved, the curve can be concave, convex, orcurvilinear, open or closed (such as a cylinder) with an array presentedon one or both sides. In yet another embodiment, the circuit board canbe flat (or other configuration), but the LED leads bent to allowdirection orientation of LED, distinct from the board. In yet anotherembodiment, the circuit board is flexible, permitting bending, foldingand/or formation to a desired contour. In yet another embodiment, thecircuit board and LED array on all points of a curved three-dimensionalcircuit board.

The invention can be formed in a foldable LED array with multiple flatcircuit boards which can be moved relative to each other. This array canbe opened and placed on a surface such as a desk or table and can befolded and stored when not in use. A UV opaque safety shroud with anoptional door and proximity safety switch encompassing foldable LEDarray can also be used.

The array of LEDs and circuit board can be made using a chip on boardmanufacturing process whereby there is no plastic encapsulation for theLED but another form of hermetic sealed cap made of a material withbetter UV resistant and UV transmittance properties than industrystandard LED encapsulation. Industry standard LED encapsulation istypically UV sensitive and reduces the useful life of a UV LED where theLED encapsulation material degrades under UV light conditions over timeand thus has a lower UV transmittance over use. Portions of the hermeticseal cap (25) may be composed of glass or quartz or other UV transparentmaterial. Bonding wire can be used to mount the LED chips onto thecircuit board. Chip on board mounting increases the lifetime of the UVALED device because of the elimination of UV degradable encapsulatingmaterial.

UVA LED package can be mounted on the surface of the circuit board. TheUVA LED package can optionally contain a focused lens typically found in5 millimeter and 3 millimeter footprints on a circuit board. Thehermetically sealed TO-66 package with UVA LED in a metal package with aUV transparent glass or quartz lens on a circuit board can be used. Aglass or quartz lens transparent to UVA is preferred over other UVimmune UV transparent material including plastic that is not degraded byUVA light.

In yet another embodiment, various UVA LED fluorescent bulb replacementlamp building block units referred to as UVA blocks, with integratedpower and controller and the integrated cooling mechanisms can be used.Cooling can be implemented with fans or heat exchangers or activecooling means or combinations of these components. Cooling can occuracross or through the array. Building blocks may be square or round andmay be stacked to build a complete tanning device, referred to asstacked block device.

In an example, a person with UV opaque protective eye-wear can beexposed to a tanning light and light therapy or a combination thereof inthe presence of multiple types of light sources which includes a UVA LEDarray alone or in combination with the prior art UV light sources suchas high pressure and low pressure fluorescent bulb within a tanningchamber. The chamber can optionally possess one or more UV opaque walls,a UV opaque tanning chamber door, a ventilation system, a coolingsystem, a safety switch connected to shut-off controller and/or systemcontroller, a controller communication device, a high voltage ballast(for use with first embodiment of invention or fluorescent bulb and withlow voltage LED power supply), and/or an external light output feedbacksensor, for use with alternate low voltage embodiment of the presentinvention and calibration requirements.

Again, the chamber can be a booth or bed and can be enclosed or open.The chamber can be composed of a variety of materials including UVopaque film or UV opaque solid walls to control the exposure directionof the light. The LEDs can be directed to expose light within thechamber and can be on the same or on independent controls. In general,the internal surface of the chamber walls will be UV reflective whilethe external surface and the wall itself will be UV opaque.

For example, height dependent chambers with light saving featuresections of controllable UVA LEDs can selectively be turned off wherethe person in the tanning chamber does not require all of thecontrollable light sources (including UVA LEDs) turned on because ofheight, or because of the desire to tan (or not tan) specific parts ofthe body. For example, LEDs can be arranged and selectively powered toavoid tanning pre-cancer sites or moles. A LED controller may be presentin the chamber (or outside the chamber) to adjust the height, pattern,brightness and other features of the tanning system. The controller hasa manual controller input, an automatic height sensor input, or both.The controller can adjust brightness and duration of exposure based onthe temperature of the devices with optional temperature sensor input.The controller can vary the pattern accordingly and indicate to thetanner the best direction to stand and in what position the extremitiesshould be in order to have the best solution for obtaining the desiredresults if, for example, the chamber does not have a full 360 degrees oftanning. Alternatively, the height controller may be an externalcomponent to facilitate a full 360 degree of controllable UVA LED array.Additionally, one may include a master controller and master-slavecommunication device and slave-slave communication device. Tanningpatterns may be recorded and used again to control or initiate asubsequent tanning session.

It is noted that personal slippers can improve health conditions on thesurface of the device when shared, by reducing germ contaminationbetween individuals. The personal slippers can be UV translucent or UVopaque depending on choice of person tanning.

Preferably, the person can be equipped with radio identification, UVopaque protective eye-wear (with an optional safety feature to indicatethat the eyewear is worn) and user interface. The user communication andsafety control system can be accessible from the inside and/or outsideof the chamber containing receiver for UV opaque protective eye-wearwith an identification device used to indicate the presence of the UVopaque protective eye wear within the chamber. The identification devicemay be wireless or a wired communication device.

FIG. 1 shows an electrical schematic diagram for powering the LEDs inthe series connected LEDs (47) in the low voltage LED array (22) andmetallic pins (10, 12) and external LED compatible power supply (20)responding to control from optional external light output feedbacksensor (174) and house power connector (36). This embodiment utilizes aresistor (46) to limit the current to the series connected LEDs (47).The series connected LEDs (47) have multiple LEDs or a single LEDdepending on the voltage supplied and number LEDs per controlled powerlines (49). If the design goals of further embodiments of the presentinvention requires a controllable power line for each LED then a singleLED in the series connected LEDs (47) and LED (5) are identical. Thereis a tradeoff between providing control to each LED and the costassociated with the control circuits. Additionally, there is a tradeoffbetween cost of power supply and the failure of a single LED in an openfailure mode to block the delivery of current to multiple LEDs in theseries connected LEDs (47). LED compatible power supplies (20) designedfor supplying current to individual LEDs is more expensive because thevoltage conversion is wider and the current output is higher. The totalcurrent output from LED compatible power supply (20) is reduced by afactor calculated as the number of power lines (49) divided by the totalnumber of LEDs in the further embodiment of invention (22). Therefore,depending upon the application and allowable failure modes, LEDs mayhave an arbitrary number of LEDs in series depending on the trade-offand application requirements. Also shown is a variable power supplywhich charges capacitors (45) in a selective manner.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes a current control (48), and an optional capacitor(45). Current control (48) supplies current series connected LEDs (47)via controlled power line (49) power control line (50). Current control(48) may optionally vary the current delivered to series connected LEDs(47) over time as the encapsulation UV transmittance varies. Currentcontrol (48) may optionally vary the current delivered to seriesconnected LEDs (47) over time to provide specific tanning patternsaccording to achieving arbitrary light therapy specific results.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes a current control (48), and a capacitor (45),where current control (48) is attached to a single LED (5) connected tocontrolled power line (49) power control line (50).

FIG. 4 shows an electrical schematic diagram of a LED power controlcircuit that utilizes said current controls (48), and an optional saidcapacitors (45). Said current controls (48) supplies current to saidseries connected LEDs (47) via said controlled power lines (49)responsive to said power control lines (50) and said external lightoutput feedback sensor (174). The method of calibrating each separatesaid current controls by selectively turning on one said current controlat a given time in order to measure the light output from the saidseries connected LEDs and calibrate each set of said series connectedLEDs (47) separately. Current control (48) may optionally vary thecurrent delivered to series connected LEDs (47) over time as theencapsulation UV transmittance varies. Also shown are optionalpermanently mounted connector (184) and portable connector (185) whichallows said external light output feedback sensor (174) to be movedaround within the tanning chamber and removed from the tanning chamber.The light output sensor may also be fixed inside the chamber or mountedto a translating and rotating mechanism to scan the chamber in amechanical and automated manner.

The form factors for incorporating the LEDs can be optionally contouredto fit or conform to the body or body part of the individual user. Forexample, the form is a face tanning system incorporating LEDs andcircuit board. The face tanning system is in the form of a face mask(optionally extending to the neck area or below), with optional portsfor the eyes, nose and/or mouth and can incorporate one or more optionalfans at the edge(s) of the mask for ventilation and cooling purposes,optional audio speakers for listening to music or environmental soundswith either stereo or quadraphonic audio input and/or microphone forverbal communications with optional telephonic capabilities, microphoneinput for further communications capability. Additionally, the mask canbe characterized by an external LED compatible power supply withoptional timer control, power switch, house power connector and/orexternal battery connector, an optional programming keypad for enteringuser codes and lockout features, key-lock, proximity switch to controlthe safety feature of closed to operate UV opaque shield with hingeattached to UV opaque face shield. A circuit board which has multiplecurrent controls controlled by signals from control lines, and hasconnections to power lines, connections to UVA LEDs and connections topower source and current return drain on pins. In this embodiment, thepins can be flexible.

In another embodiment, the form encompasses the full head and necktanning system. Again, as above, additional components can include audiospeakers, external LED compatible power supply and house powerconnector. LEDs may be selectively powered to provide specific areas oftanning and may be turned off around the hair, which does not requireexposure to UVA.

In yet another embodiment, a full or partial body tanning apparel can bemade. Apparel can avoid golfer's tan by allowing full body exposure tothe light while still providing privacy where the outer layer of theapparel is opaque. The apparel can be made of material that contains aUV blocking or reflecting component positioned to keep the UV light inthe apparel. The apparel can be lined with a removable layer or a firstinner layer can be a layer in between the outer and inner layer thatcontains the UVA LEDs and circuit board and the circuitry and coolingand controlling components. A UV translucent inner layer comes incontact with the client. For sanitary reasons the inner layer ispreferably used exclusively by a single client and/or can be washed.This inner fabric will be completely or partially transparent to UVlight. The inner fabric will also be able to diffuse the UV light in amanner that will allow the client to receive a consistent tan over thesurface of the body. Controls selectively control the UVA LEDs to beenergized in a desired pattern. This desired pattern may be saved andrecalled automatically through the registration and control systemconnected to controlled power lines and a control line. A UV opaquezipper or other fastener can be used to get into the full body tanningapparel and limit the amount of UV radiation emitted. This embodiment ofthe invention will allow tanning slowly over a period of time preferablywhile sleeping. Slow tanning may be less stressful on the skin. Tanningapparel and sleeping bags may be used to slow down the tanning process,reduce the required light flux and can tan in a comfortable environment.Cooling systems can also be controlled by control system through controlwires. External LED compatible power supplies and house power connectorscan be incorporated into the device.

The apparel can have a layer of partially or fully UV opaque material,inside the inner layer of the full body tanning apparel next to the bodycovering parts of the client that require no UV exposure. Alternatively,the client can attach a patch to the skin to protect it from UVexposure. The use of partially or fully UV opaque filters results in acontrolled tanning pattern without the need for granular control of theUVA LEDs.

Of course, multiple connections and controllers over various parts ofthe full body tanning apparel, can be used rather than a singlecontroller or connector, whether the chamber is made of fabric, isflexible or rigid.

Modular selective tanning devices allow selectable patterns for tanning.Selective tanning is useful for eliminating or blending an uneven tan,such as a golfers tan, where parts of the body are over tanned and thegoal is to obtain a less drastic change in skin color over a given area.Modular and selective tanning is also useful in medical cases such as aperson with a medical skin condition that requires a prescribed lighttherapy as directed by a physician or other medical person or medicaltherapist.

Modular tanning apparel can be used as well. In this embodiment, themodule connectors are connected to a common controller at the tanningapparel edge. An alternate design uses external connectors. Multipletwo-dimensional components connected into three-dimensional assembliesare useful building block components for modular tanning apparel.Modular and selective tanning is useful in medical cases such as aperson with a medical skin condition that requires a prescribed lighttherapy as directed by a physician or other medical person or medicaltherapist.

Various shapes of modular tanning apparels can be readily envisioned,including, for example, a torso, leg, foot, arm, pants, shirt. Theshapes can be inter-connectable pieces of tanning apparel to build acomplete or partial modular tanning suit. Arbitrary numbers ofconnector, arbitrary types of connectors, arbitrary shapes ofcomponents, and arbitrary materials of components, and arbitraryorientations of connectors allow for arbitrary tanning devices to beconstructed.

A curved three-dimensional modular fabric component for completing powerand control signal connections between tanning apparel components, withtwo sides having male style connector power pins and male stylecommunications connector and two sides with female style hollow powerconnectors and female style communications connector. Alternatively, acurved three-dimensional modular fabric component with one, two or threesets of male connectors which would represent an end component or cornerof the fabric can be made. Not shown is the curved three-dimensionalmodular fabric component with one, two or three sets of female connectorwhich would represent an end component in the fabric.

Two-dimensional components used to build three-dimensional assembliesconnections from one segment of clothing to another for power andcontrol signals can be designed to keep electromagnetic interference toa minimum.

A three-dimensional modular fabric component, such as a rectangularcomponent, for completing power and control signal connections betweentanning apparel components, with two sides having male style connectorpower pins and male style communications connectors and two sides withfemale style hollow power connectors and female style communicationsconnectors can be conveniently used. One or more of each component canbe used. Not shown is one side with quartz or other UV translucentmaterial to allow UV light to reach the skin. Arbitrary numbers ofconnector, arbitrary types of connectors, arbitrary shapes ofcomponents, and arbitrary materials of components, and arbitraryorientations of connectors allow for arbitrary tanning devices to beconstructed.

Alternatively, a mechanical translating tanning system that has aspatial translating LED loop (or loops) that encircle(s) the tanner hasthe advantage of requiring fewer bulbs to tan the same area of skin overa longer period of time. This embodiment has a reduced cost becausefewer UVA LEDs are required to produce the desired tan. Either thesystem (or loop) moves longitudinally with respect to the client, or theclient may moves parallel with the axis of the loop, or both. Themovement may be manual or it may be power assisted in a manual orautomatic control manner. This system can accommodate a standing tanneror a prone tanner. The loop(s) can be mounted on a wall orceiling-mounted track, for example, via a hinge to allow clients toenter and exit the chamber. The UV translucent bed may be acrylic.Translating LED loops may be comprised of combinations of controllableUVA LEDs to be selectively powered depending on position and arearequiring tan.

Various wavelength LEDs can be used in combination and selectable andcontrolled for use in skin tanning and other light therapies as amulti-wavelength light bulb. For example, the UVA can be used incombination with yellow, orange, green, blue, red, violet, IR,fluorescent, and/or UVC, as modular or fixed designs, in combination orseparate. Bulbs capable of producing various wavelengths can be combinedin arbitrary patterns to produce arbitrary light therapy devices.Further, the wavelength produced by any one LED can be varied. LEDs areproduced by Cree, Inc. (Durham, N.C.), Nichia America Corp. (Mountville,Pa.) and Toyoda Gosei Ltd. (Japan).

The system can be used in conjunction with a payment system associatedwith, for example, a rental of tanning chamber, commercial sales andrental store and of the tanning systems as in indoor-tanning salons.Battery backup power supplies can be provided for operation of tanningequipment and control systems during momentary power outages. A computerbased control and communications system for operating the tanning salonand associated controllable tanning equipment and personal services andcommunicating with other associated tanning salons and home offices viacommunications lines or via wireless communication system can beincorporated.

The use of multiple LEDs of various wavelength within a tanning chambercan also be used. Specifically useful for tanning are near-UV-blue LED,blue LED, blue-green LED, multi-bright LED, solid state laser lightemitting device that radiates light capable of tanning or capable ofproviding light therapy of some benefit. Also envisioned is solid statenano-structure UV-laser chip for use in controlled multi-directionalarea specific tanning device optionally associated with camera forfeed-forward control for determining exposure avoidance area andfeedback control of specific light exposure areas. Alternatively, onemay use tanning area specific mechanical translation device with laserchip based focused light source. Another embodiment includes focusedlight source utilizing LEDs on circuit board and translucent lens,optional translucent lens, and translucent lens to create a tightlyfocused light source which can be selectively powered depending onspecific areas of skin to expose to light and in particular UVA light.Another embodiment includes focused light source utilizing any lightsource lens and translucent lens, optional UV translucent lens, and UVtranslucent lens to create a tightly focused UVA light source which canbe selectively controlled by light controller depending on specificareas of skin to expose to light and in particular UVA light. Lightcontroller may be a blocking type shutter or a deflecting mirror toeffectively modulate the light emitting from focused light source.

In yet another embodiment, the wavelength of the LED can be controlled.For a given junction electric current and junction temperature, UVA LEDsgenerally emit photons around a peak wavelength in a narrow(approximately 10 nm) bell curve range of wavelengths. Differing LEDtypes have differing peak wavelengths. UVA LEDs allow fine control forgenerating wavelengths. That is, the use of a plurality of the same ordistinct LEDs can be used, optionally, in combination with multipledistinct operating conditions to independently control the emittedwavelengths. For example, a set of LEDs of a single LED type can becontrolled with different junction currents and power duty cycles amongthe individual LEDs within the set of LEDs of a single LED type in orderto broaden the spectral density of UV wavelengths emitted by the set asa whole. In addition, multiple sets of LEDs of differing types can beused to broaden the spectral density of UV wavelengths to a greaterextent than is possible with a set of LEDs of a single type. The purposeof the manipulation of the LEDs is to be able to tailor the UVwavelength for a specific individual tanning session or specific lighttherapy requirements.

LEDs as a UV light source provide the capability of controlling thewavelengths produced. LEDs of varying types produce light at variouswavelengths. By selectively controlling specific LEDs types within thelight therapy device sequences of light can be applied at predeterminedor arbitrary patterns with varying wavelengths. Examples of LED typesinclude but are not limited to Cree (405-395 nm), Nichia (375), ToyodaGosei, Marubeni America Corporation (364-380 nm), Crystal IS incollaboration with Palo Alto Research Center (355-365 nm). AdditionalLEDs that can be used in this device include organic light emittingdevices.

Another method for controlling wavelength is based on varying theelectrical current and/or junction temperature to the LEDs.

A single LED type at a given current and temperature will generallyproduce photons that have a wavelength distribution resembling a bellcurve. Therefore, controlled current pulsing in combination of varyingthe duty-cycle of the LEDs power will control current and temperatureconditions of the LED and results in wavelength shifts that will haveadditional light therapy benefits.

Generally, for a given UVA LED type, the shorter wavelengths, within theband of producible wavelengths, results from the lower junctioncurrents.

An additional means to control the peak wavelength is varying the LEDambient cooling mechanism (e.g. fans, thermoelectric cooler, peltiereffect cooling device, and compressor based air conditioners).A UVA LEDassembly control system, comprising an analog or digital computer, asuitable algorithm, wavelength sensors, light intensity sensors, skinproximity sensors, and user interface for programming desired results,can be used to calculate the required variations to the currentcontrollers and the duty cycle controllers and the ambient temperaturecontrollers in order to produce a specific peak wavelength from a givenset of UVA LEDs. The time of exposure for any given light therapyapplication may vary depending on the wavelength required and can bedetermined a-priori or in real time through such a control system.

LED type detecting sensors can be used to detect the types of LED thatare present within the chamber. The use of such sensors may reduce thehazard of programming the control system for the wrong set of UV LEDtypes. The detector can be mechanical in action with specific LEDassemblies having specific cutouts for indicating type. The detector canbe an RF ID system or other non-mechanical identification system. Thedetector can send various standardized controlled signals and power tothe LED array to determine the capabilities of the LED assembly for usein the programming the control system.

A history of the use of the LED assembly can be stored on the LEDassembly and read from the LED assembly in order to improve theeffectiveness of the control system. Historical information can includeone or more of the following: number of sessions, session type, dutycycles, electric current levels, power duty cycles, ambienttemperatures, LED patterns and other LED type specific information.Information can also be stored in a remote location and a serializedcoded key device (e.g. a memory chip, ROM, battery backed RAM, oroptical memory) will provide the control system with a means of look-upfor prior history of the LED assembly. The history of use of aparticular LED assembly can be used in the control systems to calculatewavelength and exposure times for a desired light therapy session.

Additional sensors can be incorporated to further refine the control ofthe light therapy quality. For example, additional sensors could detectpresence of particulate matter in the air which could affect wavelengthand intensity levels.

A person in the upright or a person in the prone position can be exposedto a directionally controllable focused light source controlled eitherby controllable mirrors or controlled by tanning area specificmechanical translation device of focused light source or controlled by acombination of both methods to effectively tan only the desired areas.This allows blemished problem skin or pre-cancerous skin problem toremain unexposed to the focus light. In this manner a tan is blendedinto the skin whose surrounding skin becomes tanned as desired withoutdamaging the problem skin.

Light emitting fabric can be rolled up to store and un-rolled tooperate. A detection means for determining the state of the fabric, rollor un-rolled, for safe operation, referred to as roll-state-detector canbe connected to external UV compatible power source to controlapplication of power to flexible power pins. In the rolled up state thefabric LEDs are off. In the un-rolled state, the fabric is powered up orshut off manually when un-rolled. Additional components include amultipurpose personal health device with display and power andcommunications connectors capable of performing multiple functions thatmay include but is not limited to detecting skin type, detecting personidentification, detecting vitamin D production, and detecting otherpersonal chemistry affected by light therapy and tanning lightradiation.

One embodiment of a benefits communications means for advertising theadvantages of the invention via print, or electronic, or audio means orany combination thereof in order to increase user awareness of thebenefits of the present invention and all of its various embodimentswhich may include but is not limited to low voltage operation, low poweroperation, arbitrary patterns of area tanning, flexible or rigid formfactors, no mercury, lighter and easier to move, lower safety costs,multiple form factors, clothing, tanning apparel and tunable wavelengthgiven selectable multiple LEDs with various wavelengths.

Non-conducting housing for electrical connectors connecting power andcontrol circuits between multiple modular LED replacement fluorescentbulb components and rotating power connectors can be used. Externallight output feedback sensor can be used to increase safety.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A UVR LED light projection apparatus forirradiating a subject, comprising: (a) a plurality of light emittingdiodes configured to emit ultraviolet radiation, the plurality of diodesarranged in a matrix corresponding to a shape of the subject to beirradiated; and (b) a power modulation control unit in communicationwith the plurality of diodes; wherein the power modulation control unitis configured to energize and cause the diodes to emit light and therebyirradiate the subject with ultraviolet radiation, said ultravioletradiation having an intensity sufficient to cause material physicalchange in said subject.
 24. An LED device for light therapy and tanning,comprising: (a) a plurality of LEDs capable of emitting a UV light,fabricated as arrays in a form factor contoured to conform to the bodyof the individual user; and (b) an LED compatible power supply; whereinthe LED compatible power supply is capable of powering the LED deviceand thereby cause tanning and other therapeutic effects on the subject.25. An LED device for tanning of a human subject comprising: (a) a formfactor for incorporating a plurality of LEDs suitable for emitting UVAlight, said form factor contoured to conform to the body of the user ofthe device; and (b) an LED compatible power supply configured toselectively power the LEDs to provide specific areas of tanning over thebody of the user.
 26. A method for irradiating a subject with UVR from aplurality of light emitting diodes, comprising the steps of: (a)arranging a plurality of light emitting diodes in a matrix,corresponding to a shape of the subject to be irradiated the pluralityof diodes configured to emit ultraviolet radiation; (b) providing apower modulation control unit in communication with the plurality ofdiodes; (c) the power modulation control unit energizing and therebycausing the diodes to emit ultraviolet radiation light having anintensity sufficient to cause material physical change in a subject; (d)irradiating a subject with said ultraviolet radiation light; and (e) theirradiation of the subject with the ultraviolet radiation light causinga material physical change in said subject.
 27. An article ofmanufacture comprising a computer usable medium having a computerreadable program embodied in said medium, wherein the computer readableprogram, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to: cause apower modulation control unit to energize a plurality of light emittingdiodes, arranged in a matrix corresponding to a shape of the subject tobe irradiated the diodes thereby emitting ultraviolet radiation havingan intensity sufficient to cause material physical change in thesubject.